We love Tim Pawlenty.  He is a smart and genuine kid from South St. Paul who worked hard, kept it real, and became a success.  It would be fun to see him run for president in 2012, if for no other reason than to watch him crush the opposition during the debates.  (Another reason would be the downticket benefit to Minnesota GOP candidates.)

But looking back we can't help but wonder what our tax rates would look like if Pawlenty hadn't signed the no new taxes pledge back in '02 when he was gunning for the GOP endorsement against Brian Sullivan.

On her KTLK 100.3 FM talk show today, Sue Jeffers indulged in a Festivus style Airing of Grievances against Pawlenty in an effort to add some balance to the gushy send offs Governor Pawlenty has received from fans like GOP Party Boss Tony Sutton and watchdog Harold Hamilton, among others.

Jeffers pointed out a few items that fans may have overlooked in their farewells. 

There's the minimum wage increase that gave a pay hike to teenagers living at home with Mom and Dad while simultaneously cutting the number of entry-level jobs available to those entering the workforce. 

Despite dogged GOP opposition in the legislature, also Pawlenty signed the so-called Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007.  The Act was shoved down the throats of Minnesota restaurant owners by self-serving, condescending and, frankly, lying state legislators.   The law would stop "second hand cancer," an ailment that simply does not exist.  Nanny state social engineering at its worst, but hey - you can't buck a national trend if you want to be president some day.   

Jeffers included the long forgotten Health Impact Fee,  the various green jobs initiatives, baby DNA, light rail money sucks, a primary seat belt law aimed at generating more revenue for law enforcement, and the Governor's halfhearted efforts to protect private property from the compulsive land hoarders of the DNR.

Have a listen.  Good talk radio hosts - and real Minnesota Watchdogs - are all about truth to power...